Naples Air Centre

[CAT3C AUTOLAND]

Greeting fellow aviators,

Has anyone had any experience with NAC? I am interested to do some hour building with these guys next year.

Any views would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

CAT 3C

[JCouch]

I phoned a few places from Pilot adverts and selected NAC. They provided JAR PPL training and I was very happy about them including more groundschool than I was used to in the UK. Go for the senior instructors rather than younger ones and get a Miami sectional before you go. They will pick you up from Miami if you ask but I had a hire-car that added to the cost. They also have an arrangement at a hotel that was (Jul 2000) about 20$ per night. If you use N944AC (my plane!) then let me know. I was just thinking about more training in south Africa. Enjoy

[spitfire747]

I left a few posts about NAC last month after my return, try and find them on the search engine.

I went to Naples after an invitation from Niki and Richard who own and run the school after the demise of SFT in Bourmeouth.

All i can say about the school is it was excellent and I can thoroughly recommend it, as will many many other people who have replied to previous posts or have been there themselves.

The school is well run, the staff are all very friendly, the aeroplanes are all well maintained, never had one out when i was there. The airport is nice and the local area flying fab.
The hotel was excellent value and you get a big breakfast each morning.
I flew warriors (N940AC and N941AC) which were good value for money, all were IFR rated and everything worked !!

If you need anymore questions answered just email me

regards

[Pilot Pete]

Firstly Jcouch, I dispute your ownership of N944AC. She was in my log book a long time ago!!!!

NAC was first class, Richard & Nicki are exceptionally nice people and more than willing to help. As previously stated the a/c are all well maintained which means they are not the cheapest in Florida, but probably one of the best. I had a friend who trained at another school in a 150 for $29 per hour.........the school had 3 engine failures in a month and my friend ended up in the circuit for days (too afraid to leave the vacinity of the field!!!)

Go to Naples. Fabulous beach, good restaurants and plenty to do when you're not flying.

PP

[skywatcher]

I spent 2 weeks flying with NAC. They are brilliant. They always tried to ensure you got what you needed and their aircraft were always well maintained. Go to NAC your may well regret it if you don't. They score ten out of ten.

[CAT3C AUTOLAND]

Thanks for the input peeps, I will be out there in Feb, and will pay them a visit.

CAT3C

[ 02 January 2002: Message edited by: CAT3C AUTOLAND ]</p>

[spitfire747]

When you go to Naples, just opposite the airfield is a place called MICHELBOB's Ribs - try them they are greeeaaat...

Have fun and if you have the time fly down to the Florida Keys

[DownIn3Green]

Spitfire,

Up to now I agree with everything you've said however, I take issue on the Michelbobs statement.

As a long time resident of Naples I find them expensive and overrated.

In my opinion, you won't find a better lunch than Cracker's Grill. Monster sandwiches, $1.00 16oz draft, and also right across the field. (next to Michelbobs, actually)

Have fun in the sun, even in Feb!!! <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

[CAT3C AUTOLAND]

Cheers Spitfire, top(wo)man <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

[spitfire747]

DownIn3Green

I agree with what you say, against other US restaurants it is pricey but the quality and quantity of food you get compared to here in the UK is miles better.

I never tried where you said, but i am hoping to come back over to NAples in the near future to do some more hour building so i will try it. Also one thing more, what does a young guy do of an evening in Naples ??

[Naples Air Center, Inc.]

If you are looking for the best ribs in Naples, there is a hole in the wall called the Brown Bag. They have the best Baby Back Ribs I have ever tasted. We try to keep it a secret, so do not tell anyone.

Capt. Richard J. Gentil, Pres.
Naples Air Center, Inc.

P.S. I hope everyone have a great Christmas and New Year!

[DownIn3Green]

Spitfire,

Can't help you there, I haven't been young for a while (or young AND single) for quite a while in Naples.

Seriously, it depends on what you like. From my personal knowledge it seems the Brits I've seen seem to have no problems working this out on a day to day basis.

Where do you stay when you are here? Car or not?

Tell you what. Send me an e-mail when you know your dates and I'll look you up. I may be doing some overseas work here shortly, but I'll be back by April 15.

Cheers!!!

[spitfire747]

I hope to get back in the first half of this year so i will look you up and try Richards closely guarded secret !!!

Happy Flying to All !!

[PhilD]

I'm there from 15-24 March with a plane booked from NAC and trips planned to Key West and Cape Canaveral. Can't Wait!

[rmbeez]

I did an FAA multi IR with NAC & the tale end of 2000. Instructor was excellent as were the aircraft & Naples is a really nice place.

I highly recommend it

[CAT3C AUTOLAND]

Thanks once again Ladies and Gents, input appreciated.

[GoneWest]

PhilD...enjoy Key West before your trip to Cape Canaveral....flights on the East side of the river (i.e. "The Shuttle Tour") termninate in loss of licence....it is a no go area.

[feetnkneestogether]

I was there last April to do a multi & night rating.

It all worked out fine, and if you're a UK PPl Naples is a good opportunity to brush up on the use of ATC (Yes I know it's slightly different). It has four rwys and being on the coast you can't get too lost.

Might sound daft but beware their bike hire charge. The planes may be safe but those two wheeled death machines are not to be trifled with. If you're there for anything more than 2 weeks go to Walmart and buy a bike.

Enjoy.........

[Sensible]

Gonewest, not strictly true unless things have changed in the last couple of years. I know a low hours PPL who flew over the shuttle landing site and then straight on to look at the skid strip straight through R2932 he had to speak to a rather irate LtCol at NASA on the phone via a telephone number kindly provided by ATC. He didn't lose his licence - he just had to eat 10 tons of humble pie!! In mitigation, ATC had cleared him to fly through R2934 and the pilot didn't see that R2932 had different restrictions! It's the truth, I was there -but I didn't say it was me!!! :)

[ 04 January 2002: Message edited by: Sensible ]</p>

[DesiPilot]

Sensible,

The things have changed in last few months. The "NASA Tour" or "Shuttle Landing Facility" tour is a definate no go. Even if the restricted area is cold, they will not let you go east side of the river. This rule came in effect after September 11.